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• Mining activities during the permit term from 1988 through 1992 destroyed approximately 100 acres of <br />the treated areas. No further crushing of the mountain shrub community. is planned at this time to offset <br />this loss. If evidence indicates significant use from crushing, then crushing may be continued in the latter <br />part of [he permit term. A report was submitted to the Division (Appendix W 1989 Annual Report) con- <br />cerning the results of crushing versus big game use. Sampling and reporting requirements were fuHilled <br />in Trapper's 1989 Annual Report, Section 8. <br />However, in excess oT 1800 acres have been revegetated and are available for big game. Pellet group <br />transects were established on these areas in the fall of 1986 to estimate big game use. It is predicted <br />that increased usage of the reclaimed areas will occur as vegetation reestablishment continues. In addi- <br />tion to pellet group sampling, aerial surveys for big game monitoring will be discontinued as adequate <br />baseline data has been collected. Table 4.6-1a and 4.6-tb are provided to evaluate elk and mule deer <br />numbers, respectively, before mining and during active mining and reclamation. <br />The data compiled by both monitoring techniques (pellet group sampling and aerial surveys) strongly <br />suggest that surface coal mining has not resulted in negative impacts or loss of use to resident deer and <br />elk populations as is suggested in Trapper's permit section 4.6 "Wildlife Mitigation." To the contrary, <br />resident populations of deer and elk have increased since mining and reclamation activity commenced. <br />The overall impact that Trapper's reclamation activity has had on big game animals is very much positive. <br />Reclamation activity has provided a mosaic of plant community vegetation patterns that are beneficial to <br />big game animals. Large concentrations of elk (up to 500 individuals) are commonly sighted on reclaim <br />areas. The combination of adequate hiding cover, water and highly-palatable vegetation make the <br />reclaimed mine site a highly desirable location for wildlife inhabitation. <br />PR-] <br />• <br />4-155 <br /> <br />c1'iSION r.P 0~3D <br />i rV ~ t ~~'J <br />